ORIGIN

Custom Targa: 1977 Alfa Romeo Montreal

This 1977 Alfa Romeo Montreal has been fitted with a custom Targa panel for open-top motoring by a previous owner. We’re intrigued by the idea of a removable roof, and happily the car retains a close to stock appearance when closed, all while keeping those distinctive B-pillar vents. With pristine examples beginning to trade for north of six figures, cars like this are soon going to be the only way to affordably own a Montreal. Find it here on eBay in Hamburg, Germany with a $45,000 BIN.

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The Targa conversion of this car is sure to incite controversy, and we’re not 100% sure how we feel about it ourselves. The listing states it was done professionally by the previous owner, an engineer who added body reinforcements under the console and above the rocker panels. Documentation including initial design sketches, invoices and photos are said to be available, but detailed pictures are unfortunately absent from the auction itself, this admittedly less-than-ideal shot below one of the only open-configuration photos featured.

The body is said to be almost completely rust-free, while paint is claimed good and appears to be pretty nice, though not correct to the (arguably less attractive) car’s factory-correct metallic brown. We’re not big fans of the rather generic five-spoke wheels pictured here, but thankfully the original Campagnolo Turbina alloys are included.

​The interior looks to be of driver quality, exhibiting loose, non-OEM leather covering the center console, dash, and shift lever surround. The car is said to run, shift and drive well, but brakes will need attention after an extended period of no use. The motor looks a bit messy with troubling aftermarket filter elements, but fortunately the factory air cleaner assembly is included. We’d fit it immediately right before taking it in for a full check-up–these exotic, Tipo 33-based V8’s are not the kind of engine you’d want to neglect.

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These cars have obviously made big gains in value recently, though it’s hard to say how to factor this one’s Targa conversion into the equation. Even with the issues cited, returning to mostly stock shouldn’t be too difficult, and it could prove a very good buy in the end provided it’s as solid and well-engineered as described. Purists might balk, but if that is indeed the case we might even learn to enjoy hearing the quad cam eight’s lovely noises waft through the cabin unimpeded by a fixed roof.

Right out of the gate two heavyweights weigh in with outstanding comments, kudos Ed and Myron. I really want to like this car soooo bad but man it’s just….soooooo bad for so many reasons. Of course, MHO only and YMMV.

Who thought that cutting the bottom two vents out, filling in the space, then inverting those vents and installing them on the front fender, was a good design improvement?! The last thing a Montreal needs is another set of vents/louvers on its already cluttered design.